If you're looking to become an accredited counsellor and help people who are struggling with a range of life challenges, the Master of Counselling is for you.

This two year full-time program will provide you with in-depth knowledge and practical skills for a successful career in professional counselling. The program is designed for those with an approved degree in social work, psychology, human services, nursing or a related field who want to gain professional counselling qualifications.

The program has a strong focus on integrative approaches to counselling and applied psychotherapy. It seeks to effectively and respectfully enhance outcomes for people struggling with a range of challenges.

You'll study courses that will develop your knowledge and professional counselling skills. You'll learn about research that informs counselling practice, understand key best-practice principles and master how to work with a diverse range of clients.

In your second year, you'll undertake more than 360 hours of supervised practical placement in government and private agencies. While on placement you'll complete a major project, which provides you the opportunity to apply counselling theory and research skills.

Taught in conjunction with UQ’s School of Psychology, the program is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

• Crisis counsellor
• Grief counsellor
• Drug and alcohol counsellor
• Relationship counsellor
• Rehabilitation counsellor
• Child and youth counsellor
• Sexual assault counsellor
• Student counsellor
• Family counsellor
• Therapeutic counsellor

Professional memberships

When you graduate, you may be eligible for memberships with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to become a member.

• Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists
• Australian Counselling Association
• Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia

Program accreditation

The Master of Counselling is accredited by:

• Australian Counselling Association, Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia